Teaching students with autistic spectrum disorders in HE

The purpose of the research reported in this paper was to examine the type of adjustments to delivery appropriate for students with an autistic spectrum disorder in a UK higher education setting.

A case study in a UK university was conducted over a two‐year period.

A variety of adjustments may be required for students with an autistic spectrum disorder in a UK higher education environment, including adjustments to teaching delivery, assessment and pastoral care.

Although the case study reported in this paper focused on just three students with an autistic spectrum disorder, the number of students entering UK higher education with such disorders is likely to increase and institutions need to be aware of the adjustments that may potentially be required.

Previously very few students with an autistic spectrum disorder had attended university in the UK. However, growing numbers of such students are now attending university, but thus far little, if any, research has been conducted regarding the adjustments that may need to be made for such students.